Bouillon cubes are great little kitchen staples that are used to make broth or stock, which can then be used as a flavorful base for soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes. They are small blocks of concentrated seasoning that are made from dehydrated vegetables, meat, and seasonings that have been compressed into a small cube shape. They typically come in beef and chicken flavoring, and they are very simple to use. You just determine how much broth you need for your recipe, then boil that amount of water. Once its rolling, remove the water from the heat and add the bouillon cube.
Actually, it is that simple. But even though bouillon cubes are simple to use, most people don’t do it very often. If you have found yourself trying to remember the last time you used a bouillon cube in any of your recipes, you may also be worried that they have gone bad. But do bouillon cubes expire?.
Chicken bouillon is a useful pantry item that can be used to give soups, stews, rice, and vegetables a rich, savory flavor. You may be wondering how long that tub of bouillon powder or those cubes will last, though, since they last a long time. Here is a complete guide to finding out how long chicken bouillon will last and the best way to store it.
What is Chicken Bouillon?
Chicken bouillon is made by simmering chicken bones, meat and vegetables to extract flavors then dehydrating the broth into cubes, granules, powders, or pastes. The high salt content allows it to be shelf-stable without refrigeration. Commercial chicken bouillon often contains chicken fat, yeast extract, onions, carrots, celery, and seasoning.
How Long Does Chicken Bouillon Last?
The shelf life of chicken bouillon depends on the form:
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Bouillon cubes: Unopened, cubes last 2 years past the ‘best by’ date. Opened, they’re good for 1 year stored in an airtight container.
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Powdered bouillon: Like cubes, powder lasts 2 years unopened and 1 year opened. Keep in an airtight container.
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Liquid bouillon: Lasts 6-8 months unopened, decreasing to 3-4 months once opened. Refrigerate after opening.
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Homemade bouillon: Only lasts 2-3 days refrigerated. Can be frozen for up to 4 months.
The shelf life is shortened if stored improperly in humidity, heat, or sunlight. Check for changes in texture, smell, appearance, and taste. Discard if moldy, slimy, or rancid.
Does Chicken Bouillon Need to be Refrigerated or Frozen?
Refrigeration is not needed for commercially packaged bouillon cubes or powder, due to their low moisture content and preservatives.
Refrigerate liquid bouillon after opening. Homemade bouillon should always be refrigerated.
Freezing bouillon cubes or powder is not recommended, as their shelf life is already 1-2 years without freezing. However, freezing homemade or liquid bouillon in ice cube trays can extend the shelf life up to 6 months.
How to Store Chicken Bouillon for Maximum Freshness
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Keep cubes, powder, and liquid bouillon that hasn’t been opened in a cool, dry place that is out of the way of heat, light, and moisture.
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Transfer opened powder to an airtight container. Bag or wrap opened cubes tightly.
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Once opened, liquid bouillon must be refrigerated.
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If homemade, refrigerate and use within 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
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Minimize temperature fluctuations. Avoid humidity.
What Happens if You Eat Expired Chicken Bouillon?
While expired bouillon may lose flavor intensity and some nutritional value, it is generally safe to consume. However, if mold is present, discard immediately. Consuming moldy bouillon could cause stomach upset or nausea in some cases.
Signs Chicken Bouillon Has Gone Bad
- Mold growth
- Change in texture – cubes are sticky or powder is clumped
- Unpleasant, sour, or rancid smell
- Change in color – lighter, grayish, or yellowish
- Weakened or oddly bitter flavor
If you notice these signs, toss the bouillon. Don’t taste bouillon that smells or looks spoiled.
Extending Shelf Life of Opened Chicken Bouillon
To maximize the shelf life of opened chicken bouillon:
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Transfer to an airtight container or sealed bag, removing as much air as possible.
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Add a desiccant packet if storing powder to absorb moisture.
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Keep refrigerated after opening if liquid bouillon.
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Use clean and dry utensils when scooping out powder to prevent contamination.
The Bottom Line
If you keep commercially packaged chicken bouillon in a cool, dry place, it can last up to two years without being opened and one year after being opened. There is only a few months of shelf life for liquid and homemade versions. Check to see if your bouillon has gone bad by noticing changes in how it looks, smells, and feels. You can keep chicken bouillon for a long time if you store it properly. It can improve soups, stews, and other dishes.
Check the cubes, not the dates
Yes, bouillon cubes do expire, but they tend to have an extremely long shelf life. Of course, how long they last can vary depending on the brand and how they are stored. Generally, bouillon cubes can stay good for several years, if they are preserved properly. The expiration date is usually printed on the packaging, and bouillon cubes can often be used for 1-2 years after that date.
Bouillon cubes that have passed their expiration date might not taste or be as healthy as new ones, and they might have more harmful bacteria on them if you haven’t kept them safe. Since you cant always rely on the expiration dates, you should check the cube for signs of spoilage. If the bouillon cubes have changed color, have a foul or strange odor, or have become soft or crumbly, they have probably gone bad and you should throw them away, no matter the expiration date.
Do Bouillon Cubes Expire? How To Store Bouillon Long Term?
FAQ
How long does chicken bouillon last after the expiration date?
Chicken bouillon, whether in cube or powdered form, can last for a year or two past the expiration date if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
How long does bouillon last after opened?
Better Than Bouillon can be kept for about two years from the date it was made as long as it is kept in the fridge after opening. That’s approximately two years longer than the usual 3-4-day lifespan of canned or boxed broth in the fridge once opened.
How to tell if chicken bouillon has gone bad?
Another sign to watch out for is an off smell. The smell of chicken bouillon should be savory and appealing. If it smells funny or unpleasant, you should get rid of it. Finally, if you see any signs of mold or other unusual growths, discard the bouillon immediately.
How long does chicken broth last after the expiration date?
Chicken broth can be stored in a cupboard or pantry for months at a time. Boxed chicken broth is a popular and reliable pantry staple for good reason! An unopened box of chicken broth lasts up to one year past the printed date.